West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Wednesday Bunker Tours
2025-10-29 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
During the height of the Cold War, in the 1950s and 1960s, nearly 50 bunkers were constructed across Canada. In 2017, the Nelson Museum began work on restoring the space and opening it to the public. You can join a tour of one of the Museumʼs best-loved spaces!

From iodine pills and Geiger counters to board games and ashtrays, visitors get a glimpse of the vast measures taken to create normalcy in an extraordinary time.

Wednesday Bunker tours run seasonally from June to September. Saturday Bunker tours are offered year-round. Click on the link to register. Adult admission required – children under 19 are always free!

Saturday Bunker tours
2025-11-01 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-08 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-15 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-22 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-29 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
During the height of the Cold War, in the 1950s and 1960s, nearly 50 bunkers were constructed across Canada. In 2017, the Nelson Museum began work on restoring the space and opening it to the public. You can join a tour of one of the Museumʼs best-loved spaces!

From iodine pills and Geiger counters to board games and ashtrays, visitors get a glimpse of the vast measures taken to create normalcy in an extraordinary time.

Click on the link to register. Adult admission required – children under 19 are always free! (https://form-can.keela.co/bunker-tours)

Day of the Dead: A Cross-Cultural Celebration
2025-11-01 15:00 - 23:00 (America/Edmonton) | The Eagles Hall, 641 Baker St, Nelson, BC V1L 4J3, Canada, BC, V1L 4J3, Canada
Join us for a very special Day of the Dead celebration, a free, family-friendly community event where we’ll honor tradition while embracing the richness of many cultures. Inspired by Día de Muertos, this event brings together diverse practices of remembrance and celebration of life.
What to Expect at the Day of the Dead Celebration
✨ Mexico – Dia de Muertos
Interactive altar. Arts & crafts while we share the meaning of this tradition. Plus, live serenatas (serenades) will fill the space with music and remembrance.
✨ Philippines – “Undas”
Experience the Filipino tradition of Undas through a communal altar, prayers, and music. Participate in shared offerings, hands-on crafts, and enjoy a live performance of Dahil Sayo.
✨ India – “Moksha”
“Moksha” is a visual and interactive display of India’s diverse rituals of remembrance, including storytelling, a short talk, and a participatory dance performance.
✨ Celtic Roots – “From Samhain to Halloween”
Presenter Shannon Silvermoon will explore Samhain’s ancient rituals and its transformation into Halloween. Participate in a short visualization, ancestor offerings, and intention-setting for the new year.
✨ Reflections on Grief and Healing
Led by death doula Leif, this space invites us to reflect on loss, grief, and renewal.
✨ Community Offerings
-Food vendors & face painting
-Performances by local & guest artists
-A closing dance party with uplifting global beats
📌 Save the date: Full schedule with times will be shared soon!
Event Schedule:
-3:00 – 4:00 PM: Altars making & community gathering begin, live Serenata from 3:30–4:00 PM & face painting & mini traditional food market open
-4:00 – 4:10 PM: Land Acknowledgment
by Rick Desautel
-4:10 – 5:10 PM: Community Talk: “Grief, Loss, and Healing”by Leif Mjolsness
-5:10 – 6:20 PM: Cultural Presentations:
Ireland – Origins of Halloween (5:10–5:30)
India – Moska (5:30–5:40)
Mexico – Traditions + Activity (5:40–6:00)
Philippines – Heritage + Activity (6:00–6:20)
-6:20 – 6:30 PM: Closing Remarks
-6:30 – 7:00 PM: Dance Performances featuring:
Miriam Martínez, Slava Doval’s DanceFusion, Sophie Barbaric, Surya & Nino, Tango group & Tapatia Collective
-7:00 – 9:30 PM: Dance Party featuring
DJ Mochilero & DJ Dubconscious
-9:30 – 11:00 PM: Karaoke & Curated Playlist

Tea & Textiles
2025-11-05 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | J.B. Fletcher Store Museum, 3602 Sutton Street, Ainsworth, BC, V0G 1A0, Canada
The J.B. Fletcher Museum in Ainsworth will be hosting gatherings for fibre enthusiasts and tea lovers to come and work on their knitting, crochet, embroidery, and spinning projects while connecting with fellow crafters. These gatherings will occur the first Wednesday of every month from 9-12. Drop ins welcome.

We Can Help Animals! BC SPCA Comics Workshop (Ages 8-12)
2025-11-07 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Edmonton) | West Kootenay Community Animal Centre, 124 Heritage Way, Castlegar BC
Are you a young changemaker looking to help animals?
Participants will learn ways to help at-risk animals through a variety of activities at the West Kootenay Community Animal Centre. Discuss how the BC SPCA helps animals.
Create comics about the value of all beings. Give back by collaborating on a project for the shelter. This is a fast-paced and engaging workshop that combines play, creativity and learning!
Date and Time: November 15, 2025 from 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: West Kootenay Community Animal Centre, 124 Heritage Way, Castlegar BC
Ages: 8-12
Price: $37.50
Note – While there may be some time for animal interactions, we cannot guarantee the availability of suitable animals.

Kootenay Chamber Players - Songs of the New World
2025-11-09 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Edmonton) | Silverton Memorial Hall, Silverton BC
Join the Kootenay Chamber Strings for a radiant afternoon of music celebrating Antonín Dvořák’s time in the New World. Written during his stay in the United States in the 1890s, Dvořák’s String Quartet in F major, Op. 96 (“American”) and String Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 97 overflow with the composer’s signature lyricism, rhythmic vitality, and heartfelt warmth.
Inspired by the open landscapes of America and infused with echoes of his Bohemian homeland, these two masterworks capture a unique moment of musical cross-pollination—where folk melodies, spirituals, and Dvořák’s own deeply rooted sense of melody come together in perfect harmony.
This intimate concert offers a rare opportunity to hear both of Dvořák’s “American” works side by side—an afternoon of glowing string sound, storytelling, and spirited ensemble playing.
About the Kootenay Chamber Players
The Kootenay Chamber Players bring together five accomplished musicians who share a deep love of collaboration, creativity, and community. Drawing on diverse musical backgrounds—from classical and folk traditions to jazz and contemporary styles—the group brings an open-hearted approach to performance that reflects their Kootenay roots: down-to-earth, adventurous, and passionate about sharing their craft.
The ensemble features Natasha Hall and Spring Burke on violins, Martine denBok on viola, Jeff Faragher on cello, and Rob Fahie on double bass. Together, they create performances that are rich in warmth, connection, and joy—music made by friends, for friends.

Join the Friends of the Nelson Public Library
2025-11-11 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Public Library, 602 Stanley St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 1N4, Canada
The Friends of the Library are dedicated to helping the Nelson Public Library through successful booksales and other creative fundraising efforts live trivia nights, with the funds going to new books, necessary technologies, furnishings and program supplies.
Join us: New members are welcome! It’s a great way to meet people and contribute to a vital and important part of our community. We meet at noon (12 pm) the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Nelson Public Library.
For more information check out Friends of the Library webpage.

Studio Connexion Winter Group Show
2025-11-13 11:00 - 2025-12-23 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Studio Connexion Art Gallery, 203 Fifth Ave. NW., Nakusp
The Winter Group Show is coming back to Studio Connexion Art Gallery in Nakusp. Fine artworks by more than 35 talented artists from across Canada who are represented at Studio Connexion will be for sale during the Christmas season. Art-gifts are the type of presents that keeps on giving. Anne-Elizabeth Béliveau is the owner and the curator of the quaint space. She is delighted by the artworks the artists have been creating for the event.
Most of the artists she represents do landscape, abstract or wildlife. It is a great selection for the season or any occasion.
The Winter Group Show starts Thursday November 13th and runs through December 23rd. Walk-in-hours are 11am to 4pm.
Studio Connexion Art Gallery is location at 203 FIFTH Ave. in the heART of Nakusp just 2 1/2 short blocks from Broadway St.

Selkirk Weavers Christmas Sale: Friday (14th) & Saturday (15th)
2025-11-14 16:00 - 2025-11-15 16:00 (America/Edmonton) | Kinnaird Hall, 2320 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar, BC, V1N 2X1, Canada
The Selkirk Weavers and Spinners Guild, a group of local artisans from Castlegar, Nelson, Trail, and Fruitvale, are holding their annual Holiday Sale and Exhibit on Friday November 14th from 4-8 pm, and Saturday November 15th from 9am-4pm.
It will be at the Kinnaird Hall at 2320 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar, BC.
Hope to see you all there!

2025 Christmas Art Market
2025-11-15 - 2025-12-24 | 167 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, BC, V1A 2J5, 167 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, V1A 2J5
Get ready to get into the holiday spirit at the 2025 Christmas Art Market! Now in its fifth year, this festive event celebrates local art and the magic of the season, offering a curated collection of unique gifts for your loved ones—or even a little treat for yourself.
Kicking off on Saturday, November 15, and running daily through to December 24, the market will feature creations from talented local artists like McKenna Prather, Michele Dupas (Dupas Designs), Sam Millard (How Original Art), Wendy Franz, and others. Available treasures include fine art, digital reproductions, pottery, jewellery, wearables, books, and more!
Open Monday through Wednesday from noon to 5 pm, Thursday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, this is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and experience the magic of the holidays.

We Can Help Animals! BC SPCA Youth Workshop (Ages 8-12)
2025-11-15 09:30 - 12:30 (America/Edmonton) | West Kootenay Community Animal Centre, 124 Heritage Way, Castlegar BC

Weekly Tango Mini Lesson & Practice
2025-11-19 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-11-26 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Vancouver) | Christie Lee’s Hall, 807-703 Radio Ave, Nelson, BC, V1L3L3, Canada
Want to learn and practice dancing Argentine Tango?

We host a weekly mini-lesson and practica at Christie Lee’s Hall in Fairview.

The guided portion from 7:30-8:15 has a different host and topic each week (check our Facebook page for host and topic announcements). We have an open practice after the lesson until 9:30pm.

Dancers of all levels are welcome! Material is beginner-friendly.

Tango is an improvised partner dance originating in Argentina and Uruguay; you don’t need a partner to attend tango practices or events and it can be danced by anyone and everyone.

Please bring your dancing shoes and a water bottle.

5$ donation

Where to find us: Christies Lees Hall is on Radio Ave., in lower Fairview. You can access Radio from 4th or 7th Streets. The Hall’s part of the Kiwanis Villa complex. On Radio Ave. look for “701” on the deck post near the sidewalk leading to the front doors. Also, look for the sandwich board near the sidewalk.

Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/zFraPXNpJ6aBBJtv6
Maps will tell you that it’s “temporarily closed” but don’t believe it!

Film & Market Night for Palestine at Nelson United Church
2025-12-05 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson United Church, 602 Silica Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4N1, Canada
✨ MOVIE AND MARKET NIGHT FOR PALESTINE✨
Date: December 5th
Market @ 6pm
Film @ 7pm
Location: Nelson United Church
Sliding scale, suggested donation of $20
Come gather in community and join us for our Makers Market and Film Screening. Market will feature goods from local artists, makers, and creatives, plus other donated goods.
Following the market we will be screening ‘Gaza: Doctors Under Attack’.
As this is a co-sponsored event by Nelson4Palestine and UCPIP, all ticket sales with be split between this organization and N4P donees. All market proceeds will be directly divided between N4P donees; our sponsorship of orphans in Gaza through Islamic Relief Canada, and Autonomous Sinixt.
http://galabid.com/gazadoctorsattacked

Basics of Animal Illustration: Ages 11-14
2025-12-06 09:30 - 12:30 (America/Vancouver) | West Kootenay Community Animal Centre, 124 Heritage Way, Castlegar BC
Get creative with the BC SPCA!
Participants will learn the basics of drawing from real life, taking inspiration from shelter animals and BC SPCA alumni. Through this interactive workshop, they will learn about the SPCA as an organization, the basics of animal body language, and contribute to the community by highlighting adoptable animals. Facilitated by Erin Shuttleworth, a professional artist and humane educator. Participants can also bring portfolio pieces for feedback.
Date and time: December 6, 2025 from 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: West Kootenay Community Animal Centre, 124 Heritage Way, Castlegar BC
Ages: 11-14
Price: $37.50
Note: while participants will have the opportunity to view shelter animals, they may not be able to interact directly with them.

ARTIST SOCIAL @ LUFT CAFE & BAR
2025-12-09 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Edmonton) | Luft Café and Bar, VRGE Hotel 1500 1 St W, Revelstoke, BC
ARTIST SOCIALS | LUFT CAFE & BAR
Hosted by RVAC in Collaboration with theVRGE Hotel
Join us for Artist Socials ! These laid-back, no-pressure events are the perfect opportunity to connect with other creatives in the community, share ideas, and socialize. There’s no set agenda—just good vibes and great conversation. You don’t need to be a member of the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre to attend, so grab a friend or come ready to meet new ones.
Tuesday, December 9, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Lüft Café & Bar – VRGE Hotel 1500 1 St W, Revelstoke, BC
Ask the server to point you to the right group
All welcome, always
No bookings required

Second Winds Community Band Holiday Concert in Invermere
2025-12-10 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Edmonton) | Columbia Valley Centre, 646 4 Street, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0
Second Winds Community Band is performing live at the Columbia Valley Centre on December 10th! Doors: 6 pm, show @ 7 pm.
FREE entry with donations to The Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley & Columbia Valley Food Bank will be gratefully accepted. Cash concession run by Bright New Minds Childcare Society.
Presented by the District of Invermere. Enjoy an evening of festive music while supporting wonderful local causes. See you there!

Trail Rotary Club Christmas Carol Concert
2025-12-10 18:30 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Charles Bailey Theatre, 1501 Cedar Ave, Trail, British Columbia, V1R 4C7, Canada
Trail Rotary Clubs Annual Christmas Carol Concert is back December 10th at the Charles Bailey Theatre
Doors at 6:30, show starts at 7:00
Entry is by donation and all proceeds go to the Trail Salvation Army Christmas Food Hamper

The Twin Rivers Community Choir presents: Winter Connections
2025-12-12 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-13 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Edmonton) | New Life Church, 602 7 St, Castlegar, BC, V1N 3J6, Canada
Come join us as we deliver an enjoyable seasonal experience!
Adults $20 / Students $10
Dec 12 & Dec 13, 7PM til 9 PM PST.
New Life Church, Castlegar.
TICKETS: https://www.twinriverschoir.com/events
Contact Information;
250-364-8346
trcchoir@gmail.com

Salmo Artventure Exhibition & Competition
2026-01-10 15:00 - 19:00 (America/Edmonton) | 215 Davies Ave, Salmo, BC V0G 1Z0, Canada
This is a family fun event where the public casts their vote for their favourite artwork.
Winners are chosen by the public. The show features painters, metal artists, wood artists, illustrators, glass artists, photographers and textile artists all vying for this years crown.
The show also features live music and an Art Basket Door Prize from the Salmo And District Arts Council.
This is a free event to attend.

Revelstoke: ARTIST SOCIALS | LUFT CAFE & BAR
2026-01-15 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Luft Café and Bar, VRGE Hotel 1500 1 St W, Revelstoke, BC
Hosted by RVAC in Collaboration with the VRGE Hotel
Join us for Artist Socials ! These laid-back, no-pressure events are the perfect opportunity to connect with other creatives in the community, share ideas, and socialize. There’s no set agenda—just good vibes and great conversation. You don’t need to be a member of the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre to attend, so grab a friend or come ready to meet new ones.
Thursday, January 15, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Lüft Café & Bar – VRGE Hotel 1500 1 St W, Revelstoke, BC
Ask the server to point you to the right group
All welcome, always
No bookings required

Slocan: 4TH ANNUAL WINTER CARNIVAL
2026-01-17 13:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | Expo Park, Slocan
4TH ANNUAL WINTER CARNIVAL!
BY DONATION $0-$50

EXPO PARK, SLOCAN

1:00 HANNAH CLAIRE
2:00 MASSIMO CIRCUS ARTS
2:30PM PUPPETS ON THE MOVE & SPIN THE WHEEL
3:30 WALL DOG NEO-SOUL FOLK JAZZ
4:30 SOS RAP & FREESTYLE
5:00 THISISSAMI
6:30 ANIMUS ROVING FIRE SPINNING
7:00 THE GREAT FULL LIFE

1PM BIOCHAR WORKSHOP
SNOWMAN BUILDING COMPETITION
FIRE PITS
RAFFLE PRIZES AND 50/50
VENDORS

1PM-4PM
FREE CRAFTING WITH CBAL
FREE LAZER TAG FROM KOOTENAY TAGTICAL
FREE GAMES BY SV YOUTH NETWORK & PHARATREE

THE LEGION, SLOCAN
9PM- 1AM DJS FATTYCAKES, DAILY BASIS & LUMINESCE

FOOD VENDORS:
THE SLICE
TALISHACK
OH MY LARD
FOMO

MUSIC PRODUCED BY LIVE HARMONICS

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS:

THE VILLAGE OF SLOCAN
REDI GRANT, RDCK AREA H
SLOCAN VALLEY LEGACY FUND
COLUMBIA BASIN TRUST
STELLARVISTA
KOOTENAY CO-OP
SLOCAN VALLEY CO-OP
TROWELEX RENTALS AND SALES
SIFCO
NELSON & DISTRICT CREDIT UNION
SLOCAN VALLEY LEGION
SLOCAN VILLAGE MARKET
WEGCSS
THE HUB
HALL PRINTING

Arts & Culture Grants from CKCA: Q&A Sessions
2026-01-27 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Online
JOIN US FOR A CKCA Q&A SESSION

West Kootenay Fibreshed

Do you have an idea for a project that focuses on arts and culture? Grants from the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA) could help.
These grants—funded by Columbia Basin Trust and managed by the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council—are available for all art disciplines, for both individuals and arts and culture organizations in the Columbia Basin.
CKCA’s next application period will open January 12, 2026, and close February 20, 2026, or March 6, 2026, depending on the program.
Q&A sessions
To learn more about these grants and how to apply, attend one of our FREE question-and-answer sessions. The events all take place online through Zoom.
REGISTER NOW IN THE ONE THAT WORKS FOR YOU!

Tuesday, January 27, 2026: 4 p.m. Pacific / 5 p.m. Mountain
Wednesday, January 28, 2026: noon Pacific / 1 p.m. Mountain
Tuesday, February 3, 2026: noon Pacific / 1 p.m. Mountain
Wednesday, February 4, 2026: 4 p.m. Pacific / 5 p.m. Mountain

Before you attend a session, we encourage you to watch the latest video about the specific program you’re considering applying to. Note: these videos will be available as of January 12, 2026, when the programs launch. To find the video, select the program that interests you and navigate to that program’s page. Afterwards, come to the Q&A session with your questions.
If you have questions about your specific project, rather than the programs themselves, contact us directly instead of asking them during a session.

Revelstoke: POETRY IN THE GALLERY | FREE
2026-01-29 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, 320 Wilson Street, Revelstoke, V0E 2S0
POETRY IN THE GALLERY | FREE
Hosted by Emma Beck
Come spend a free evening surrounded by poetry, creativity, and community! Whether you’d like to read your own work, share a favourite poem, or just sit back and enjoy, everyone is invited. Bring a warm drink, settle into the cozy gallery space, and let yourself be inspired. This is a relaxed, judgment-free event where all voices are welcome—especially beginners!
Thursday, January 29
6:30pm – 8:00pm
Novembers Theme: “Inspiration”
RVAC Main Gallery, 320 Wilson st.
All forms of poetry welcome
No bookings required!
For our younger poets: All ages are encouraged to join these poetry nights, however please note that the last 45 minuets of this session will be reserved for adult content. Starting at 7:15pm some material may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Workshop: Métis-Style Beaded Leather Mittens (Day 1 of 2)
2026-01-31 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Edmonton) | Fernie Aquatic Centre Multi-Purpose Room, 250 Pine Ave, Fernie, BC, V0B1M2, Canada
Learn to bead and hand sew a pair of beautiful Métis / Indigenous style mittens. Some experience hand and machine sewing is helpful, but enthusiasm will work too!
This 2 day course will occur over 2 weekends: Saturday, Jan 31, 9:30 – 4:00 and Saturday, Feb 7, 9:30 – 4:00 MST.
This will allow time to complete essential elements before assembling the mitten. A sewing machine for your liners is useful but not required.
The cost is $200, supplies included.
The Elk Valley Metis Association will provide sponsorship for Metis / Indigenous persons.
Advanced registration is required, 15 persons max.
